Lateral was an innovative AI-driven research tool designed to streamline the process of document analysis and thematic organization across extensive collections of research materials. Aimed primarily at researchers, academics, and professionals in various fields, Lateral utilized advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze documents, identify recurring themes, and facilitate the organization of research findings. Users could efficiently navigate large datasets, making it easier to extract relevant insights and enhance collaboration within research teams. The platform's capabilities included the ability to categorize documents based on thematic relevance, thereby saving time and improving the overall research workflow. However, as the research software landscape evolved, Lateral announced its decision to sunset the platform on June 26, 2025, to focus on developing a new open-source platform that aligns with the principles of open science. This transition reflects a commitment to fostering a decentralized and incentive-aligned future for scientific collaboration and discovery, emphasizing the importance of open access to knowledge and fair rewards for researchers.